U.S. patent number 9,635,903 [Application Number 14/826,901] was granted by the patent office on 2017-05-02 for sole structure having auxetic structures and sipes.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Deborah L. Lawless.
United States Patent |
9,635,903 |
Lawless |
May 2, 2017 |
Sole structure having auxetic structures and sipes
Abstract
A sole structure that includes recessed portions. The recessed
portions are arranged such that the sole structure has auxetic
properties. In some embodiments, sipes extend to the recessed
portions. Additionally, the sole structure may include a central
portion having auxetic properties and a peripheral portion.
Inventors: |
Lawless; Deborah L. (Portland,
OR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton,
OR)
|
Family
ID: |
56609958 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/826,901 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170042284 A1 |
Feb 16, 2017 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
1/0009 (20130101); A43B 13/04 (20130101); A43B
13/122 (20130101); A43B 13/141 (20130101); A43B
13/125 (20130101); A43B 3/0073 (20130101); A43B
13/181 (20130101); A43B 13/14 (20130101); A43B
13/223 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
13/18 (20060101); A43B 3/00 (20060101); A43B
13/12 (20060101); A43B 13/14 (20060101); A43B
1/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2 463 446 |
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Mar 2010 |
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GB |
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2005-143637 |
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Jun 2005 |
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JP |
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03/022085 |
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Mar 2003 |
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WO |
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2007052054 |
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May 2007 |
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WO |
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2012171911 |
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Dec 2012 |
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WO |
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2015041796 |
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Mar 2015 |
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WO |
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Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion mailed Dec. 4, 2014
in PCT/US2014/052038. cited by applicant .
Office Action mailed Mar. 26, 2015 in U.S. Appl. No. 14/030,002.
cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion mailed Oct. 14,
2015 in PCT/US2015/038958. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion mailed Nov. 17,
2015 in PCT/US2015/040523. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Kavanaugh; Ted
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Quinn Law Group, PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sole structure, comprising: a midsole component having an
inner recessed surface and an outer surface; the midsole component
including a plurality of recessed portions arranged in an auxetic
configuration in the outer surface; the plurality of recessed
portions including a first recessed portion; the first recessed
portion being bordered by at least a first sole portion and a
second sole portion; the first sole portion and the second sole
portion being connected by a junction; the first sole portion
having a first elevated portion; the second sole portion having a
second elevated portion; the first elevated portion having a first
elevated surface; the first elevated surface being located a first
distance away from the inner recessed surface; the second elevated
portion having a second elevated surface; the second elevated
surface being located a second distance away from the inner
recessed surface; the junction having a junction surface; the
junction surface being located a third distance away from the inner
recessed surface; wherein the first distance and the second
distance are both larger than the third distance.
2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first sole portion
has a first sidewall surface, the first sidewall surface bordering
a portion of the first recessed portion.
3. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the first elevated
portion has a first elevated sidewall surface, at least a portion
of the first elevated sidewall surface partially defining the first
recessed portion.
4. The sole structure of claim 3, wherein the first elevated
sidewall surface is coincident with the first sidewall surface.
5. The sole structure of claim 3, wherein the sole structure
further comprises a second recessed portion and a third recessed
portion, wherein the first elevated sidewall surface borders at
least a portion of both the second recessed portion and the third
recessed portion.
6. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first sole portion is
of unitary construction with the midsole component.
7. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first elevated
portion has a triangular shape.
8. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first recessed
portion has a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg.
9. A sole structure, comprising: a midsole component having an
inner recessed surface and an outer surface; the midsole component
including a plurality of recessed portions arranged in an auxetic
configuration; the plurality of recessed portions including a first
recessed portion; the first recessed portion extending from the
outer surface to the inner recessed surface; the first recessed
portion being bounded by a first side surface of the midsole
component, the first side surface being continuous around the first
recessed portion; the first side surface having an outer edge and
an inner edge; a total depth of the first recessed portion being
defined by a distance from the outer edge to the inner edge of the
first side surface; the first side surface including a first color
segment and a second color segment; the first color segment
extending a first distance from the inner edge; the second color
segment being located adjacent to the first color segment; wherein
the first color segment is a different color than the second color
segment.
10. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the second color segment
extends from the outer edge toward the inner edge.
11. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the inner edge abuts the
inner recessed surface, the inner recessed surface being the same
color as the first color segment.
12. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the second color segment
extends a second distance from the outer edge, wherein the first
distance is greater than the second distance.
13. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the second color segment
extends a second distance from the outer edge, wherein the first
distance is less than the second distance.
14. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the second color segment
extends a second distance from the outer edge, wherein the first
distance is substantially the same as the second distance.
15. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the plurality of
recessed portions further includes a second recessed portion; the
second recessed portion being located adjacent to the first
recessed portion; the second recessed portion being bounded by a
second side surface; the second side surface including a third
color segment; wherein the third color segment is a different color
than the first color segment and the second color segment.
16. A sole structure, comprising: a midsole component having an
inner surface and an outer surface; the midsole component having a
peripheral edge; the midsole component including a plurality of
recessed portions arranged in an auxetic configuration; the
plurality of recessed portions arranged in a central portion of the
midsole component, the central portion being spaced from the
peripheral edge; a plurality of sipes extending from the peripheral
edge toward the plurality of recessed portions; wherein at least
one sipe intersects with at least one recessed portion.
17. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein the plurality of sipes
extend through a plurality of peripheral edge pieces, the plurality
of peripheral edge pieces extending along the periphery of the
midsole component.
18. The sole structure of claim 17, wherein a first recessed
portion is located adjacent to a first peripheral edge piece, the
first recessed portion including a first leg, a second leg, and a
central area that connects the first leg and the second leg,
wherein a first sipe extends from the peripheral edge and
intersects with the central area of the first recessed portion.
19. The sole structure of claim 17, wherein: a first recessed
portion of the plurality of recessed portions is located in a heel
region of the midsole component; wherein a first peripheral edge
piece of the midsole component is located adjacent to the first
recessed portion; wherein the first recessed portion includes a
first elevated portion; wherein a first elevated outer surface of
the first elevated portion is located at a first distance away from
the inner surface of the midsole component; a first peripheral
outer surface of the first peripheral edge piece being located a
second distance away from the inner surface of the midsole
component; wherein the second distance is greater than the first
distance.
20. The sole structure of claim 17, wherein a first recessed
portion of the plurality of recessed portions is located in a
forefoot region of the midsole component, the first recessed
portion including a first elevated portion, a first elevated outer
surface of the first elevated portion being located at a first
distance away from the inner surface of the midsole component;
wherein a first peripheral edge piece of the midsole component is
located adjacent to the first recessed portion, a first peripheral
outer surface of the first peripheral edge piece being located a
second distance away from the inner surface of the midsole
component; wherein the second distance is substantially the same as
the first distance.
21. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein the plurality of
recessed portions includes a first recessed portion; the first
recessed portion of the midsole component including a first
sidewall surface; the first sidewall surface extending a first
distance from an inner edge of the midsole component to an outer
edge of the midsole component; a first sipe of the plurality of
sipes intersecting the first recessed portion; the first sipe
having a depth; wherein the depth of the first sipe is
substantially equal to the first distance.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear,
and in particular to articles of footwear with uppers and sole
structures.
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an
upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from a variety
of materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to
form a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely
receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion
of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the
ground. In many articles of footwear, including athletic footwear
styles, the sole structure often incorporates an insole, a midsole,
and an outsole.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, the embodiments provide a sole structure having a
midsole component with an inner recessed surface and an outer
surface. The midsole component includes a plurality of recessed
portions that are arranged in an auxetic configuration in the outer
surface. The plurality of recessed portions include a first
recessed portion. The first recessed portion is bordered by at
least a first sole portion and a second sole portion. The first
sole portion and the second sole portion are connected by a
junction. The first sole portion has a first elevated portion and
the second sole portion has a second elevated portion. The first
elevated portion has a first elevated surface. The first elevated
surface is located a first distance away from the inner recessed
surface. The second elevated portion has a second elevated surface.
The second elevated surface is located a second distance away from
the inner recessed surface. The junction has a junction surface and
the junction surface is located a third distance away from the
inner recessed surface. The first distance and the second distance
both being larger than the third distance.
In another aspect the embodiments provide a sole structure, that
includes a midsole component having an inner recessed surface and
an outer surface. The midsole component includes a plurality of
recessed portions arranged in an auxetic configuration. The
plurality of recessed portions include a first recessed portion and
the first recessed portion extends from the outer surface to the
inner recessed surface. The first recessed portion is bounded by a
first side surface of the midsole component and the first side
surface is continuous around the first recessed portion. The first
side surface has an outer edge and an inner edge. A total depth of
the first recessed portion being defined by a distance from the
outer edge to the inner edge of the first side surface. The first
side surface includes a first color segment and a second color
segment. The first color segment extends a first distance from the
inner edge. The second color segment is located adjacent to the
first color segment. The first color segment being a different
color than the second color segment.
In another aspect the embodiments provide a sole structure includes
a midsole component that has an inner surface and an outer surface.
The midsole component has a peripheral edge. The midsole component
includes a plurality of recessed portions arranged in an auxetic
configuration. The plurality of recessed portions are arranged in a
central portion of the midsole component. The central portion is
spaced from the peripheral edge. A plurality of sipes extend from
the peripheral edge toward the plurality of recessed portions. And
at least one sipe intersects with at least one recessed
portion.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the embodiments
will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the
embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear;
FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of article of
footwear;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear;
FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole
structure including an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the
sole structure;
FIG. 5 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole
structure including an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the
sole structure, in which the portion of the sole structure is
undergoing auxetic expansion;
FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole
structure and an enlarged isometric view of a recessed portion;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a
structure that surrounds a recessed portion;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a
structure that surrounds a recessed portion;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a
structure that surrounds a recessed portion;
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a
structure that surrounds a recessed portion;
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a
structure that surrounds a recessed portion;
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a
structure that surrounds a recessed portion;
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sole structure
and an enlarged view of a portion of the sole structure;
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a recessed portion
of a sole structure;
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a recessed portion
of a sole structure subjected to a force;
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a sole structure
and an enlarged cutaway isometric view of a portion of the sole
structure;
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a sole structure
and an enlarged cutaway isometric view of a portion of the sole
structure;
FIGS. 18-19 illustrate an embodiment of a sole structure before and
while a compressive force is applied;
FIG. 20 is a side view of an embodiment of an article and an
enlarged view of a slit along the sole structure;
FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of an article and an
enlarged view of an expanded slit along the sole structure; and
FIG. 22 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a sole structure
and enlarged cross-section views along different areas of the sole
structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear 100. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100
has the form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments,
the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 could
be incorporated into various other kinds of footwear including, but
not limited to, basketball shoes, hiking boots, soccer shoes,
football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes,
rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for
article of footwear 100 could be incorporated into various other
kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited
to, slippers, sandals, high-heeled footwear, and loafers.
For purposes of clarity, the following detailed description
discusses the features of article of footwear 100, also referred to
simply as article 100. However, it will be understood that other
embodiments may incorporate a corresponding article of footwear
(e.g., a left article of footwear when article 100 is a right
article of footwear) that may share some, and possibly all, of the
features of article 100 described herein and shown in the
figures.
The embodiments may be characterized by various directional
adjectives and reference portions. These directions and reference
portions may facilitate in describing the portions of an article of
footwear. Moreover, these directions and reference portions may
also be used in describing subcomponents of an article of footwear
(e.g., directions and/or portions of an inner sole component, a
midsole component, an outer sole component, an upper, or any other
components).
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are
employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the
illustrated embodiments. The term "longitudinal" as used throughout
this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction
oriented along a length of a component (e.g., an upper or sole
component). In some cases, a longitudinal direction may be parallel
to a longitudinal axis that extends between a forefoot portion and
a heel portion of the component. Also, the term "lateral" as used
throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a
direction oriented along a width of a component. In some cases, a
lateral direction may be parallel to a lateral axis that extends
between a medial side and a lateral side of a component.
Furthermore, the term "vertical" as used throughout this detailed
description and in the claims refers to a direction generally
perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example,
in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, a
vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward.
Additionally, the term "inner" refers to a portion of an article
disposed closer to an interior of an article, or closer to a foot
when the article is worn. Likewise, the term "outer" refers to a
portion of an article disposed further from the interior of the
article or from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a
component is disposed closer to an interior of the article than the
outer surface of the component. This detailed description makes use
of these directional adjectives in describing an article and
various components of the article, including an upper, a midsole
structure, and/or an outer sole structure.
Article 100 may be characterized by a number of different regions
or portions. For example, article 100 could include a forefoot
portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and an ankle portion.
Moreover, components of article 100 could likewise comprise
corresponding portions. Referring to FIG. 1, article 100 may be
divided into forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region
14. Forefoot region 10 may be generally associated with the toes
and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot
region 12 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot.
Likewise, heel region 14 may be generally associated with the heel
of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article 100 may also
include an ankle portion, which may also be referred to as a cuff
portion that is associated with the ankle of a user. In addition,
article 100 may include lateral side 16 and medial side 18. In
particular, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may be opposing
sides of article 100. Furthermore, both lateral side 16 and medial
side 18 may extend through forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12,
heel region 14, and the ankle portion.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of
article of footwear 100. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate various
components of article of footwear 100, including an upper 102 and a
sole structure 103.
Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper
102 may have any design, shape, size, and/or color. For example, in
embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could
be a high-top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an
ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper
102 could be a low-top upper.
In some embodiments, upper 102 includes opening 114 that provides
entry for the foot into an interior cavity of upper 102. In some
embodiments, upper 102 may also include a tongue that provides
cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some
embodiments may include fastening provisions, including, but not
limited to, laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers as well as any
other provisions known in the art for fastening articles. In some
embodiments, lace 125 may be applied at a fastening region of upper
102.
Some embodiments may include uppers that extend beneath the foot,
thereby providing 360-degree coverage at some regions of the foot.
However, other embodiments need not include uppers that extend
beneath the foot. In other embodiments, for example, an upper could
have a lower periphery joined with a strobel, sole structure,
and/or sock liner.
An upper could be formed from a variety of different manufacturing
techniques, resulting in various kinds of upper structures. For
example, in some embodiments, an upper could have a braided
construction, a knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) construction, or some
other woven construction. In an exemplary embodiment, upper 102 may
be a knitted upper.
In some embodiments, sole structure 103 may be configured to
provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing
traction, sole structure 103 may attenuate ground reaction forces
when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking,
running, or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole
structure 103 may vary significantly in different embodiments to
include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures.
In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 103 can be
configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on
which sole structure 103 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces
include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf,
dirt, hardwood flooring, as well as other surfaces.
Sole structure 103 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the
foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different
embodiments, sole structure 103 may include different components.
In some embodiments, sole structure 103 may include midsole
component 122 and a plurality of outer sole members. In some cases,
one or more of these components may be optional.
Midsole component 122 may be configured to provide cushioning,
shock absorption, energy return, support, as well as possibly other
provisions. To this end, midsole component 122 may have a geometry
that provides structure and support for article 100. Specifically,
midsole component 122 may be seen to have upper surface 140 and
sidewall portion 142. Sidewall portion 142 may extend around the
entire periphery 144 of midsole component 122. As seen in FIG. 1,
sidewall portion 142 may partially wrap up the sides of upper 102
to provide increased support along the base of the foot. Upper
surface 140 may be generally oriented toward upper 102, while an
outer surface 152 may be oriented outwardly.
Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, midsole component 122 may
include a plurality of recessed portions 200 that may extend
partially through the thickness of midsole component 122 from outer
surface 152 toward upper surface 140. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the plurality of recessed portions 200 may vary
throughout sole structure 103. For example, in some embodiments,
the recessed portions located in heel region 14 may be deeper or
extend along a larger distance through sole structure 103 than the
recessed portions located in forefoot region 10. In other
embodiments, the depth of the recessed portions may be consistent
throughout sole structure 103.
In different embodiments, midsole component 122 may generally
incorporate various provisions associated with midsoles. For
example, in one embodiment, a midsole component may be formed from
a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces
(i.e., provides cushioning) during walking, running, and other
ambulatory activities. In various embodiments, midsole components
may also include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or
other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or
influence the motions of the foot, for example.
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of sole structure 103. As seen in
FIG. 3, the plurality of outer sole members includes six distinct
outer sole members. Specifically, sole structure 103 includes first
outer sole member 160, second outer sole member 161, third outer
sole member 162, fourth outer sole member 163, fifth outer sole
member 164, and sixth outer sole member 165. Although the exemplary
embodiment includes six different outer sole members, other
embodiments could include any other number of outer sole members.
In another embodiment, for example, only a single outer sole member
may be present. In still another embodiment, only two outer sole
members may be used. In still another embodiment, only three outer
sole members could be used. In still other embodiments, seven or
more outer sole members could be used.
Generally, an outer sole member may be configured as a
ground-contacting member. In some embodiments, an outer sole member
could include properties associated with outsoles, such as
durability, wear resistance, and increased traction. In other
embodiments, an outer sole member could include properties
associated with a midsole, including cushioning, strength, and
support. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of outer sole
members may be configured as outsole-like members that enhance
traction with a ground surface while maintaining wear
resistance.
In different embodiments, the locations of one or more outer sole
members could vary. In some embodiments, one or more outer sole
members could be disposed in a forefoot portion of a sole
structure. In other embodiments, one or more outer sole members
could be disposed in a midfoot portion of a sole structure. In
still other embodiments, one or more outer sole members could be
disposed in a heel portion of a sole structure. In an exemplary
embodiment, first outer sole member 160 may be disposed in forefoot
region 10 of sole structure 103. More specifically, first outer
sole member 160 may be disposed adjacent toe edge 124. In addition,
in the exemplary embodiment second outer sole member 161, third
outer sole member 162, fourth outer sole member 163, fifth outer
sole member 164, and sixth outer sole member 165 may be disposed in
heel region 14 of sole structure 103. More specifically, second
outer sole member 161 and third outer sole member 162 may be
generally disposed on lateral side 16. Fifth outer sole member 164
and sixth outer sole member 165 may be generally disposed on medial
side 18. Further, fourth outer sole member 163 may be located
between third outer sole member 162 and fifth outer sole member
164. Fourth outer sole member 163 may be disposed along heel edge
126 of sole structure 103. Furthermore, second outer sole member
161, third outer sole member 162, fourth outer sole member 163,
fifth outer sole member 164, and sixth outer sole member 165 are
spaced apart from one another in heel region 14. This exemplary
configuration provides outer sole members at areas of increased
ground contact during various lateral and medial cuts, so as to
enhance traction during these motions.
The sizes of various outer sole members could vary. In the
embodiments, first outer sole member 160 may be the largest outer
sole member of the plurality of the outer sole members. Moreover,
sixth outer sole member 165 may be substantially smaller than first
outer sole member 160. Additionally, second outer sole member 161,
third outer sole member 162, fourth outer sole member 163, fifth
outer sole member 164, and sixth outer sole member 165 may each
individually be smaller that first outer sole member 160. The outer
sole members in heel region 14 may, however, have a larger total
surface area than the surface area of first outer sole member 160.
Individualized control of various areas of heel region 14 may be
realized by spacing the outer sole members in heel region 14.
In some embodiments, an inner surface of the outer sole members may
be disposed against midsole component 122. The outer surface of the
outer sole members may face outwardly and may be a
ground-contacting surface.
In different embodiments, the materials and/or physical properties
of an outer sole member could vary. In some embodiments, an outer
sole member could have a relatively high coefficient of friction
when compared to a midsole component. For example, in an exemplary
embodiment, first outer sole member 160 may have a first
coefficient of friction with a predetermined material (e.g., wood,
laminate, asphalt, concrete, etc.) and midsole component 122 may
have a second coefficient of friction with the same predetermined
material. In some embodiments, the first coefficient of friction is
different than the second coefficient of friction. In an exemplary
embodiment, the first coefficient of friction is greater than the
second coefficient of friction, so that first outer sole member 160
provides increased traction (or grip) with the predetermined
material in comparison to midsole component 122. In at least some
embodiments, the predetermined material may be associated with a
type of ground surface. For example, the predetermined material
could be wood associated with wood flooring in basketball courts.
In other embodiments, the predetermined material could be laminate
material that may also be associated with some kinds of courts. In
still other embodiments, the predetermined material could be
asphalt. In still other embodiments, the predetermined material
could be concrete.
Likewise, in some embodiments, each of the remaining outer sole
members may also have higher coefficients of friction (relative to
a given ground surface) than midsole component 122. This
arrangement may allow a user to brake or make cuts by engaging at
least one of the outer sole members with a ground surface. It will
be understood that in other embodiments, first outer sole member
160 could have a coefficient of friction equal to or less than the
coefficient of friction of midsole component 122.
It may be appreciated that the coefficient of friction may change
according to ambient conditions such as temperature, velocity, etc.
Moreover, the coefficients of friction could be different for dry
versus wet conditions. As used herein, the first coefficient of
friction and the second coefficient of friction defined for first
outer sole member 160 and midsole component 122, respectively, may
be dry coefficients of friction at standard temperatures and
pressures.
Increased friction with a ground surface can be achieved by
utilizing materials having higher coefficients of friction and/or
by providing surface features that enhance grip with the ground.
Such features could include tread elements such as ridges,
hemispheric protrusions, cylindrical protrusions as well as other
kinds of tread elements.
In different embodiments, the densities of an outer sole member
and/or a midsole component could vary. In some embodiments, an
outer sole member may have a higher density than a midsole
component, thereby allowing for increased durability and wear
resistance for the outer sole member. In other embodiments,
however, the density of the outer sole member could be equal to the
density of the midsole component, or could be less than the density
of the midsole component.
Outer sole members could be manufactured from a variety of
different materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not
limited to, rubber (e.g., carbon rubber or blown rubber), polymers,
thermoplastics (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), as well as
possibly other materials. In contrast, midsole components may
generally be manufactured from polyurethane, polyurethane foam,
other kinds of foams as well as possibly other materials. It will
be understood that the type of materials for outer sole members and
a midsole component could be selected according to various factors
including manufacturing requirements and desired performance
characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, suitable materials for
the outer sole members and midsole component 122 could be selected
to ensure the outer sole members have a larger coefficient of
friction than midsole component 122, especially when these
components are in contact with hardwood surfaces, laminate
surfaces, asphalt, as well as other surfaces where article of
footwear 100 may be most commonly used.
In different embodiments, upper 102 and sole structure 103 could be
joined in various ways. In some embodiments, upper 102 could be
joined to a strobel using an adhesive or by stitching. In other
embodiments, upper 102 could be joined to midsole component 122,
for example, along sidewall portion 142. In still other
embodiments, upper 102 could be joined with both a strobel and
midsole component 122. Moreover, these components may be joined
using any methods known in the art for joining sole components with
uppers, including various lasting techniques and provisions (e.g.,
board lasting, slip lasting, etc.). Such bonding or attachment
could be accomplished using any known methods for bonding
components of articles of footwear, including, but not limited to,
adhesives, films, tapes, staples, stitching, or other methods.
The outer sole members may be likewise bonded or otherwise attached
to midsole component 122. Such bonding or attachment could be
accomplished using any known methods for bonding components of
articles of footwear, including, but not limited to, adhesives,
films, tapes, staples, stitching, or other methods.
In at least some embodiments, midsole component 122 and the outer
sole members could be formed and/or bonded together during a
molding process. For example, in some embodiments, upon forming
midsole component 122, first outer sole member 160 may be molded
within forming midsole component 122.
Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate expansion and/or
adaptability of a sole structure during dynamic motions. In some
embodiments, a sole structure may be configured with auxetic
provisions. In particular, one or more components of the sole
structure may be capable of undergoing auxetic motions (e.g.,
expansion and/or contraction).
Sole structure 103, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and as described further
in detail below, has an auxetic structure or configuration. Sole
structures comprising auxetic structures are described in Cross,
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0075033, published
Mar. 19, 2015 and entitled "Auxetic Structures and Footwear with
Soles Having Auxetic Structures" (the "Auxetic Structures
application"), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
As described in the Auxetic Structures application, auxetic
materials have a negative Poisson's ratio, such that when they are
under tension in a first direction their dimensions increase both
in the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal or
perpendicular to the first direction. This property of an auxetic
material is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
As seen in FIG. 3, sole structure 103 may include plurality of
recessed portions 200. As used herein, the term "recessed portion"
refers to any hollowed area or recessed area in a component. In
some cases, a recessed portion may be a through hole, in which the
recessed portion extends between two opposing surfaces of a
component. In other cases, a recessed portion may be a blind-hole,
in which the recessed portion may not extend through the entire
thickness of the component and may therefore only be open on one
side. Moreover, as discussed in further detail below, a component
may utilize a combination of through holes and blind-holes.
Furthermore, the term "recessed portion" may be used
interchangeably in some cases with "aperture" or "hole."
In regions including one or more recessed portions, sole structure
103 may be further associated with a plurality of discrete sole
portions 202, or sole portions 202. Specifically, sole portions 202
comprise the portions of sole structure 103 that extend between
plurality of recessed portions 200. It may also be seen that
plurality of recessed portions 200 extend between sole portions
202. Thus, it may be understood that each recessed portion may be
surrounded by a plurality of sole portions, such that the boundary
of each recessed portion may be defined by the edges of the sole
portions. In some embodiments, some recessed portions may be
surrounded by six different sole portions. For example, recessed
portion 130 is surrounded by sole portion 131, sole portion 132,
sole portion 133, sole portion 134, sole portion 135, and sole
portion 136. Moreover, each of sole portion 131, sole portion 132,
sole portion 133, sole portion 134, sole portion 135, and sole
portion 136 have one edge that bounds a portion of recessed portion
130. In some embodiments, each of the sole portions surrounding a
recessed portion may be connected to one another. For example, sole
portion 131 and sole portion 132 may be connected to each other by
junction 137. Additionally, in some embodiments, sole portion 132
may be connected to sole portion 133 by a junction. In other
embodiments, each of the sole portions may be discrete and separate
from one another.
In some embodiments, two or more sole portions may be associated
with one another. That is, in some embodiments, a plurality of sole
portions may include a junction or otherwise be joined to one
another. Two or more sole portions that are joined to one another
may be referred to as "dynamic portions." Within a dynamic portion,
the motion of one sole portion may influence the motion of adjacent
sole portions.
As seen in FIG. 3, plurality of recessed portions 200 may extend
through a majority of midsole component 122. In some embodiments,
plurality of recessed portions 200 may extend through forefoot
region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 of midsole
component 122. In other embodiments, plurality of recessed portions
200 may not extend through each of these portions.
In some embodiments, the outer sole members may extend around or
adjacent to plurality of recessed portions 200. For example, first
outer sole member 160 extends around a portion of recessed portion
204. In other embodiments, one or more outer sole members may
extend over a recessed portion. In still further embodiments, a
recessed portion may extend through one or more outer sole
members.
In different embodiments, the geometry of one or more recessed
portions could vary. In the exemplary embodiment, a majority of the
plurality of recessed portions 200 may have a tri-star geometry,
including three legs or points extending from a common center.
Examples of different geometries that could be used for an auxetic
sole structure are disclosed in the detailed description. Moreover,
embodiments could also utilize any other geometries, such as
utilizing sole portions with parallelogram geometries or other
polygonal geometries that are arranged in a pattern to provide the
sole with an auxetic structure.
The geometry of one or more sole portions could also vary. It may
be understood that the geometry of a sole portion may be determined
by the geometry of the recessed portions in an auxetic pattern, and
vice versa. For example, changing the shape of a sole portion may
change the shape of an adjacent recessed portion. In the exemplary
embodiment, each sole portion has an approximately triangular
geometry. In other embodiments, sole portions may have other shapes
including regular and irregular shapes.
In some embodiments, the geometry of the recessed portions may vary
throughout the length of sole structure 103. For example, in some
embodiments, the size of the recessed portions may be larger in the
forefoot region than in the midfoot region or heel region. By
varying the size of the recessed portions, different bending
characteristics and cutting characteristic may be provided along
various areas of sole structure 103.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the shape of the recessed
portions may be different along different areas of sole structure
103. For example, in some embodiments, the recessed portion located
along the periphery of sole structure 103 may have a different
shape than other recessed portions of sole structure 103. In some
embodiments, the recessed portions along the periphery may include
two legs or points that extend from a common center.
Plurality of recessed portions 200 may be arranged on sole
structure 103 in an auxetic pattern, or auxetic configuration. In
other words, plurality of recessed portions 200 may be arranged on
midsole component 122 and/or the outer sole members in a manner
that allows those components to undergo auxetic motions, such as
expansion or contraction. An example of auxetic expansion, which
occurs as the result of the auxetic configuration of plurality of
recessed portions 200, is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Initially, in
FIG. 4, sole structure 103 is in a non-tensioned state. In this
state, plurality of recessed portions 200 have an un-tensioned
area. For purposes of illustration, only representative region 206
of midsole component 122 is shown, where representative region 206
includes a subset of recessed portions 208.
As tension is applied across sole structure 103 along an exemplary
longitudinal axis 210 (e.g., along the length of sole structure
103) as shown in FIG. 5, sole structure 103 undergoes auxetic
expansion. That is, sole structure 103 expands along directions
parallel to longitudinal axis 210, as well as along directions
parallel to lateral axis 212, which is perpendicular to exemplary
longitudinal axis 210. In FIG. 5, the representative region 206 is
seen to expand along both longitudinal axis 210 and lateral axis
212 simultaneously, as subset of recessed portions 208 increase in
size.
FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom isometric view of sole structure 103,
including an enlarged cross-sectional view of sole portions
surrounding a recessed portion. The four sole portions are oriented
around recessed portion 214. As shown, sole portion 251, sole
portion 253, sole portion 255, and sole portion 257 border recessed
portion 214. Dynamic portion 216 may refer to the structure of sole
portion 251, junction 219, and sole portion 253. Additionally,
dynamic portion 218 may refer to the structure of sole portion 255,
junction 221, and sole portion 257. Dynamic portions and sole
portions may be referred to throughout the detailed
description.
Although sole portions may be discussed as individual pieces, the
sole portions may be formed as a unitary piece with midsole
component 122. Further, multiple sole portions may be
interconnected or formed from a unitary piece. Sole portions may be
numbered for ease of discussion. In some embodiments, the sole
portions may not be individual pieces or portions. For example,
dynamic portion 216 and dynamic portion 218 may comprise portions
of a single or unitary piece of midsole component 122. In other
embodiments, multiple individual sole portions may be oriented
around a recessed portion. An example of a dynamic portion
comprised of two sole portions is shown in FIGS. 7-9. In other
embodiments, differently shaped and sized sole portions may be
utilized. The shape and size of sole portions along with their
relative positioning to recessed portions will be discussed in
further detail in the detailed description.
In some embodiments, a sole portion may include a raised or
elevated portion. In some embodiments, the elevated portions may be
shaped to correspond to the areas of midsole component 122 between
each of the recessed portions. For example, first elevated portion
220 is located adjacent to recessed portion 214, recessed portion
222, and recessed portion 224. The shape of first elevated portion
220 corresponds to the space between the recessed portions. For
example, a portion of first elevated portion 220 abuts a leg of
each of recessed portion 214, recessed portion 222, and recessed
portion 224. Therefore, the shape of first elevated portion 220
corresponds to the shape of the space between each of the recessed
portions that abut first elevated portion 220.
In some embodiments, a junction may extend between adjacent sole
portions. In some embodiments, the junction may extend between each
sole portion to form or define a dynamic portion. Junction 219
joins sole portion 251 and sole portion 253. Additionally, multiple
junctions extend between various sole portions throughout sole
structure 103.
In some embodiments, the junctions may be located at different
levels than the elevated portions. That is, in some embodiments,
outer surface 152 of the elevated portions may be on a different
plane than the outer surface of the junction. As used throughout
this detailed description, outer surface 152 refers to the surface
of sole structure 103 that is located adjacent to a ground surface
or other surface during normal use. Outer surface 152 does not
include inner recessed surface 226. For convenience and clarity,
the outer surface of the elevated portions and the outer surface of
the junctions may be particularly labeled.
In FIG. 6, junction 219 extends between sole portion 251 and sole
portion 253. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, outer surface 153 of
junction 219 is located at a level that is closer to the foot of a
user or the inner surface of sole structure 103 than outer surface
154 of first elevated portion 220 located on sole portion 251 and
outer surface 155 of second elevated portion 230 located on sole
portion 253.
Further, in some embodiments, the junction may border more than one
recessed portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, junction 219
borders recessed portion 222 as well as recessed portion 214. As
shown, junction 219 borders a central region of recessed portion
214. In contrast, junction 219 also borders a leg or point of
recessed portion 222. Therefore, junction 219 may border different
areas of different recessed portions.
Additionally, second elevated portion 230, third elevated portion
231, and fourth elevated portion 232 are oriented along recessed
portion 214. A fifth raised portion and a sixth raised portion may
be oriented along recessed portion 214; however, the fifth raised
portion and the sixth raised portion may not be visible in this
orientation. In the embodiment as depicted throughout the figures
of this detailed description, the elevated portions are formed in a
general triangular shape. The triangular shape is due to the shape
of the recessed portions. In other embodiments, elevated portions
may have different shapes to correspond or extend along portions of
differently shaped recessed portions. Additionally, in some figures
in the detailed description, the elevated portions may be removed
for ease of viewing and description.
As shown throughout this detailed description, many of the recessed
portions may be surrounded by dynamic portions that are positioned
adjacent to one another and connected to one another. As used
throughout this detailed description, the dynamic portions referred
to include two sole portions. In other embodiments, dynamic
portions may utilize any number of sole portions greater than one
sole portion. Additionally, dynamic portions are shown as two sole
portions for ease of viewing and discussion.
In some areas of sole structure 103, each of the recessed portions
is located adjacent to another recessed portion. In such cases, the
sole portions may bound or border a portion of more than one
recessed portion. For example, sole portion 251 and sole portion
253 define at least a portion of recessed portion 214, recessed
portion 222, recessed portion 224, and recessed portion 225. As
such, the sidewall surfaces that extend around sole portion 251 and
sole portion 253 may be associated with multiple recessed
portions.
In some embodiments, as discussed previously, the shape of a
recessed portion may be determined according to the configuration
or arrangement of sole portions bounding the recessed portion. As
shown in FIG. 6, sole portions are oriented to form a
tri-star-shaped opening of recessed portion 214. Recessed portion
214 may include an inner recessed surface 226. Inner recessed
surface 226 may be shaped in a tri-star configuration or a
different shape that corresponds to the shape of a particular
recessed portion. In some embodiments, each of the sole portions
that border the recessed portion may abut inner recessed surface
226.
In some embodiments, the sole portions may be separate pieces from
inner recessed surface 226. In some embodiments, the sole portions
may be glued or otherwise secured to inner recessed surface 226. In
other embodiments, inner recessed surface 226 and the sole portions
may be formed of unitary construction (e.g., inner recessed surface
226 may be continuous with the sidewalls of one or more sole
portions). In some embodiments, the sole portions and inner
recessed surface 226 may be molded, stamped, or otherwise formed
from a unitary piece.
In some embodiments, the height or vertical dimension of the
sidewall surfaces of the sole portions may define the depth of the
recessed portions. The sidewall surfaces may extend from the inner
recessed surface to an outer surface of sole structure 103. For
example, sidewall surface 228 extends from inner surface edge 270
to an outer junction edge 271 and an outer elevated surface edge
272 of sole structure 103. That is, sidewall surface 228 extends
from inner recessed surface 226 to outer surface 152. In some
embodiments, sidewall surface 228 extends completely around
recessed portion 214. In some embodiments, the height of sidewall
surface 228 may vary along the perimeter or edge of a recessed
portion and thereby define a recessed portion with a varying depth.
In other embodiments, the height of sidewall surface 228 may remain
constant throughout sole structure 103.
In some embodiments, recessed portions may be associated with one
or more colors. In some embodiments, the sidewall surfaces may
include various colors. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
inner recessed surface may include various colors. As depicted in
FIG. 6, sidewall surface 228 is multi-colored. In first area 234
adjacent to inner recessed surface 226, sidewall surface 228 has a
first color. In second area 236 adjacent to an upper surface,
sidewall surface 228 has a second color. In some embodiments, the
first color may be different than the second color. In further
embodiments, inner recessed surface 226 may have a third color. In
some embodiments, the third color may be the same as the first
color. In other embodiments, the third color may be the same as the
second color. In still further embodiments, the third color may be
different than both the first color and the second color.
As shown in FIGS. 7-9, dynamic portion 216 is multicolored. In
other embodiments, a dynamic portion or a sole portion may have
different colors or different layouts along different surfaces. In
some embodiments, for example, sole portion 255 may have a
different color scheme than sole portion 257 of dynamic portion
216. Additionally, in some embodiments, the surface of first side
238 of dynamic portion 216 may have a different color than the
color of second side 240. Additionally, different portions along
each side may have a different coloring layout or scheme.
Therefore, different portions of a single recessed portion could
have different coloring patterns.
As shown in FIGS. 7-9, additionally, the general shape of dynamic
portion 216 is shown. As depicted, third elevated portion 231 and
fourth elevated portion 232 have a generally triangular shape.
Third elevated portion 231 and fourth elevated surface 232 are
joined or connected by junction 242. In some embodiments, the outer
surface of junction 242 may be located at a lower height than the
outer surface of the elevated portions. That is, the outer surface
of junction 242 may be located along a different plane than the
outer surface of the elevated portions. In some embodiments, the
outer surface of junction 242 may be located at a smaller distance
away from inner recessed surface 226 than the elevated portions. In
other embodiments, the outer surface of junction 242 may be located
at a similar height or plane at which the outer surfaces of the
elevated portions are located. In other embodiments, the outer
surface of junction 242 may be at a different height that is
located closer to inner recessed surface 226. By varying the height
of the outer surface of junction 242, the flexibility of sole
structure 103 may be altered. For example, a larger junction may
limit flexibility as an increased amount of material may be used to
form sole structure 103. In other embodiments, a thinner junction
may allow for sole structure 103 to bend or flex to a greater
degree as a thinner junction would use less material than a
corresponding larger or thicker junction.
As shown, the elevated portions extend beyond junction 242. In such
embodiments, elevated portions may be oriented toward a ground or
other surface during use. That is, the elevated portions may act as
a ground-engaging surface.
Referring to FIG. 8, a portion of sidewall surface 228 is depicted.
As shown previously in FIG. 6, sidewall surface 228 may bound or
border recessed portion 214, extending along a tri-star shape. In
some embodiments, dynamic portion 216 may include base portion 290.
Base portion 290 may include base side surface 291 that extends
from sole portion 255 to sole portion 257. Base side surface 291
may form a part of sidewall surface 228. In some embodiments, third
elevated portion 231 and fourth elevated portion 232 may include
elevated side surfaces. For example, elevated side surface 292 may
extend along the side of third elevated portion 231. Additionally,
elevated side surface 293 may extend along the side of fourth
elevated portion 232. In some embodiments, elevated side surface
293 and elevated side surface 292 may be continuous or coincidental
with base side surface 291. In such embodiments, base side surface
291, elevated side surface 292, and elevated side surface 293 may
form a generally seamless transition. Further, in such embodiments,
a portion of an elevated side surface may bound or border a
recessed portion.
Referring to FIGS. 10-12, alternate dynamic portions are depicted.
Each of the dynamic portions has a different coloring layout. As
shown in FIG. 10, dynamic portion 300 has a unique color scheme.
Dynamic portion 300 includes first area 302 of a first color. First
area 302 extends from inner edge 304 toward outer edge 306. First
area 302 extends from inner edge 304 to an area below midline 310.
Second area 308 of a second color is located along dynamic portion
300 from first area 302 to outer edge 306.
As shown in FIG. 11, sole portion 400 has a different color scheme.
By varying the color scheme, different patterns of display may be
utilized throughout the sole structure. Additionally, by varying
the color scheme, different colors may be visible depending on the
degree to which the sole structure is bent. Sole portion 400
includes first area 402 of a first color. First area 402 extends
from inner edge 404 toward outer edge 406. As depicted, first area
402 extends from inner edge 404 to midline 410. Second area 408 of
a second color is located along sole portion 400 from first area
402 to outer edge 406.
An alternate color scheme is depicted in sole portion 500 as shown
in FIG. 12. As shown, sole portion 500 includes first area 502 of a
first color. First area 502 extends from inner edge 504 toward
outer edge 506. As depicted, first area 502 extends from inner edge
504 to an area past midline 510. Second area 508 of a second color
is located along sole portion 500 from first area 502 to outer edge
506. In other embodiments, the coloring of the first area may
extend over the outer surface of a junction. In still further
embodiments, the coloring of the first area may extend to the
sidewall surfaces of the triangular elevated portions. In still
further embodiments, the first color may be located from between
the inner edge to the outer edge of a sole portion.
In some embodiments, recessed portions may abut the edge or side of
sole structure 103. In some embodiments, the shape of a recessed
portion may be adapted to accommodate variations in location or
orientation of the recessed portion along sole structure 103.
Referring to FIGS. 13-15, recessed portion 600 includes first leg
602 and second leg 604. Additionally, recessed portion 600 may
include sipe 606 that extends from a central portion of recessed
portion 600 to peripheral edge 608 of sole structure 103. As used
herein, the term "sipe" may refer to a slit, cut, or groove. The
shape of recessed portion 600 is in contrast to other recessed
portions that are located throughout sole structure 103. For
example, recessed portion 601 includes three legs that extend in a
tri-star arrangement. Additionally, each of the legs of recessed
portion 601 is angled from each other by approximately equal
angles. Further, sipe 603 intersects leg 605. In contrast, recessed
portion 600 includes first leg 602 and second leg 604. Further,
sipe 606 intersects recessed portion 600 at central area 609.
In some embodiments, the different configurations may cause sole
structure 103 to react in different manners when subjected to a
force at the different locations. For example, sole structure 103
may be able to expand to a greater degree at sipe 603 than at sipe
606. Because recessed portion 601 is a larger void or opening than
recessed portion 600, as sole structure 103 is bent at recessed
portion 601, the surrounding portions may bend in toward the
opening. This movement allows for sole structure 103 to bend a
first amount at sipe 603. Additionally, the larger void of recessed
portion 601 may provide less resistance to bending because there is
less material to resist stretching in the area of recessed portion
601 as compared to recessed portion 600. In contrast, recessed
portion 600 is smaller and therefore includes a greater amount of
midsole component 122. Sole structure 103 may therefore resist
stretch to a greater degree at recessed portion 600 as compared to
larger recessed portions intersected by sipes. A sole structure may
therefore include variously shaped and sized recessed portions
along the peripheral edge to tailor the stretch or bendability of a
sole structure.
Referring particularly to recessed portion 600, recessed portion
600 includes a slit or cut that extends from the junction of first
leg 602 and second leg 604 to peripheral edge 608 of sole structure
103. In some embodiments, sipe 606 extends along the full thickness
of sidewall surface 610. In other embodiments sipe 606 is deeper
than the thickness of sidewall surface 610. In still further
embodiments, the depth of sipe 606 is less than the thickness of
sidewall surface 610. By varying the depth of sipe 606, the amount
of stretchability or expansion along peripheral edge 608 of sole
structure 103 may be controlled. For example, in some embodiments,
a deeper sipe may allow for the edge of sole structure 103 to
expand a greater distance than in embodiments that utilized a
shallower sipe.
In some embodiments, interior sidewall 612 of sipe 606 may have
various color arrangements. In some embodiments, interior sidewall
612 may include a first color that is located adjacent to an
interior edge 607 and a second portion located adjacent exterior
edge 611. That is, the area of the interior sidewall 612 adjacent
to the ground-contacting surface or outer surface 152 may be a
different color than the color that is located adjacent inner
recessed surface 226 of recessed portion 600.
In some embodiments, the interior sidewall may have various color
configurations. For example, the interior sidewall 612 may have
first color segment 613 located adjacent peripheral edge 614. In
some embodiments, second color segment 618 may extend from central
edge 616 toward peripheral edge 614. That is, second color segment
618 may extend along interior sidewall 612 from the location where
sipe 606 intersects recessed portion 600 toward peripheral edge
614. In some embodiments, second color segment 618 may extend
completely across interior sidewall 612 from central edge 616 to
peripheral edge 614. In other embodiments, second color segment 618
may not fully extend across interior sidewall 612.
In some embodiments, first color segment 613 may extend from
interior edge 607 toward exterior edge 611. In some embodiments,
first color segment 613 may extend fully along interior sidewall
612 from interior edge 607 to exterior edge 611. In other
embodiments, first color segment 613 may not fully extend along
interior sidewall 612 from interior edge 607 to exterior edge 611.
In some embodiments, first color segment 613 may extend from
exterior edge 611 toward interior edge 607 along central edge 616.
In other embodiments, first color segment 613 may not fully extend
from peripheral edge 614 to central edge 616.
In some embodiments, as sole structure 103 is subjected to a
tensile force, the peripheral edge of sole structure 103 may
expand. As shown in FIG. 15, as first side 620 of sipe 606 is moved
away from second side 622 of sipe 606, a greater portion of
interior sidewall 612 may be visible. In some embodiments, this
action may allow for some of sole portion 624 to be visible from a
side view of sole structure 103 thereby exposing the different
color arrangements along sole portion 624.
The differences in color between sole portion 624 and interior
sidewall 612 may be particularly selected to increase contrast and
visibility during use. The color contrast of sole structure 103 may
increase the visibility of the wearer in various lighting and
environmental conditions. The colored portion may be selected to
provide desired visual effects. In addition, the various colors may
be utilized during product testing to enhance the visibility of
areas of sole structure 103 that are subjected to tensile,
compression, bending, or twisting forces. For example, the
different color combinations may improve the degree to which areas
of sole structure 103 may be captured with still image photography
or video, such as high-speed film or other mediums that visually
capture performance data during biomechanical or other forms of
testing. Additionally, the different colors utilized in sole
structure 103 may allow a viewer to determine the gait or any other
aspects of how a user walks or runs. Additionally, the aesthetics
of the sole may be altered by using the different coloring
arrangements or patterns.
Embodiments may include provisions to enhance the flexibility of a
sole with recessed portions arranged in an auxetic configuration.
In some embodiments, the cuts or sipes along the periphery may
allow for the sole structure to bend and twist, and the interior
portion may provide stability that limits the amount that a sole
structure may twist. By using both layouts, a sole structure may be
formed that allows for a predetermined amount of twist and stretch
while also providing for control over the sole structure.
In some embodiments, the peripheral edge along sole structure 103
may include plurality of sipes 715 that extend from the peripheral
edge to a recessed portion. In some embodiments, each of the
plurality of sipes 715 may extend into the recessed portion. In
some embodiments, plurality of sipes 715 may partially surround or
encompass central portion 716 (see FIG. 16) that includes plurality
of recessed portions 200. As best shown in FIG. 3, however,
plurality of sipes 715 may not entirely encompass central portion
716. For example, in some embodiments, sipes may not extend from
toe edge 124. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3, as an example, may
not include sipes extending from toe edge 124 in order to provide a
stiffer or less flexible area along toe edge 124. By not including
sipes extending from toe edge 124, the peripheral edge of sole
structure 103 may be stiff or secure in this area. In other
embodiments, however, sipes may extend from toe edge 124.
In some embodiments, by extending each sipe into the recessed
portion, the auxetic nature of the recessed portion may be
affected. In some embodiments, the siped portion may be able to
extend along a longitudinal direction when subjected to force
without affecting the width of sole structure 103. Additionally, by
extending the sipe into a recessed portion, the attributes of the
recessed portions may be coupled with the attributes of a sole
structure that includes sipes. For example, the outer periphery of
sole structure 103 may be able to bend or stretch without affecting
the shape of the interior portion of sole structure 103.
Additionally, portions of sole structure 103 may still include an
auxetic nature or feel. In this sense, the peripheral portion of
sole structure 103 may act or be affected by force in a different
manner than the interior portion of sole structure 103 when
subjected to a force.
Additionally, by utilizing an auxetic central portion, the amount
of material used may be reduced as compared to other sole
structures without recessed portions. The auxetic central portion
716 may provide support and traction with limited material.
Further, peripheral edge pieces 805 (see FIG. 17) may provide a
large surface area to interact with the ground or other surface to
increase traction during cutting or lateral movements.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the color scheme of sole structure
103 may be different in different areas of sole structure 103. For
example, in some embodiments, the color scheme of forefoot region
10 may be different than the color scheme of heel region 14. In
some embodiments, different colors may be used in different regions
for various purposes including aesthetic appeal, contrast for
viewing, or to coordinate the sole structure with a certain camera
or the like such that the movement of the article may be readily
ascertainable during the use of sole structure 103.
Referring to FIG. 16, an isometric cut portion through heel region
14 is shown. Portion 700 is shown that cuts through a portion of
three recessed portions. As shown, first color portion 702 extends
along sidewall surface 728 that extends around the recessed
portions.
In some embodiments, as discussed previously, a color may extend
along a portion of sidewall surfaces. As shown in FIG. 16, first
color segment 710 of sidewall surface 728 includes a different
color than second color segment 712 of sidewall surface 728.
Additionally, in some embodiments, a portion of peripheral edge
piece 714 may have a different color arrangement than the color or
the interior portion of sole structure 103. For example, in some
embodiments, the peripheral edge may be white. In some embodiments,
as peripheral edge piece 714 extends toward central portion 716,
the color of peripheral edge piece 714 may be altered. For example,
in some embodiments, peripheral edge piece 714 may have a white
cross section. In other embodiments, a different color may be
utilized. In some embodiments, the inner recessed surface may also
be different than various areas of the recessed portions. For
example, in some embodiments, inner recessed surface 720 of
recessed portion 722 may be orange while a sidewall portion of
recessed portion 722 may be white. In different embodiments,
various combinations of colors and orientations may be
utilized.
Referring particularly to FIG. 17, multiple colors may be utilized
in particular areas of sole structure 103. As shown in FIG. 17,
forefoot region 10 of sole structure 103 utilizes multiple colors
throughout the width of sole structure 103. For example, recessed
portion 800 includes first color portion 802 that is a first color,
for example, orange. Additionally, second color portion 804 is a
different color, for example, blue. In some embodiments, first
color portion 802 may match the color of second color portion 804.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the color of second color
portion 804 may extend along elevated portions along sole structure
103. Additionally, a third color may extend along the periphery of
sole structure 103. For example, peripheral edge pieces 805 of sole
structure 103 may be white.
In some embodiments, another color may be located in recessed
portion 806 that is located adjacent to recessed portion 800. For
example, in some embodiments, third color portion 808 of recessed
portion 806 may be the same color as first color portion 802 of
recessed portion 800. Fourth color portion of recessed portion 806
may be a fourth color, for example, teal. In some embodiments, the
color arrangement throughout the recessed portions may be
different. By orienting the colors in specific patterns, different
designs may be used throughout sole structure 103 that may assist
in identifying how certain portions of sole structure 103 act when
subjected to various forces.
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate bottom isometric views of another
embodiment of sole structure 103. Specifically, FIG. 18 illustrates
a bottom isometric view of sole structure 103 in an uncompressed
state, while FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom isometric view of sole
structure 103 in a compressed state. Specifically, FIG. 19 shows
sole structure 103 deforming under vertically oriented compression
forces 812 (i.e., forces generally perpendicular to the sole
surface, or to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the
sole). As with previous embodiments, sole structure 103 includes
midsole component 122 and a plurality of outer sole members.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19, plurality of recessed
portions 200 are shown in compressed and in uncompressed states. In
some embodiments, compressing a sole structure with recessed
portions arranged in an auxetic configuration can act to close the
recessed portions of the sole structure as the sole portions around
the recessed portions expand under compression. As seen, for
example, in FIG. 19, the opening size or cross-sectional area of
plurality of recessed portions 200 decreases during the application
of vertically oriented compression forces 812. In some cases, some
recessed portions may completely close while other recessed
portions may only partially close. For example, depression 814 may
not compress as much as other recessed portions in sole structure
103. Depression 814 may not be the same depth as the other recessed
portions and therefore may not experience the auxetic effect to as
great an extent as the other recessed portions.
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a side view of article 100 is shown
in a relaxed state, and when subjected to a force. In FIG. 21,
article 100 is shown in a bent formation that may be a typical
formation when used by a wearer. In some embodiments, when viewed
from a side view, sole structure 103 may not expose an interior
surface. That is, in some embodiments, the sidewall surfaces of
recessed portions may not be visible from a side view.
In some embodiments, the exposed side of sole structure 103 may be
uniform in color. In other embodiments, the side of sole structure
103 may have different colors along the side of sole structure 103.
As shown in FIG. 20, sole structure 103 is formed of a single color
with no reveals to the interior portion of sole structure 103.
Additionally, as shown in the configuration of FIG. 20, sipe 816 is
in a closed or relaxed state. In this state, sipe 816 does not
experience a large quantity of longitudinal force. Therefore, the
edges of sipe 816 do not extend away from one another in a relaxed
state and therefore may hide the interior sidewall surfaces of the
recessed portions of sole structure 103.
Referring to FIG. 21, article 100 is shown in a bent position. In
some embodiments, as sole structure 103 is bent, a sipe may expand
or stretch, in a similar manner as depicted in FIG. 14. In some
embodiments, as sipe 816 is expanded, a portion of the interior
sidewall surfaces of sole structure 103 may be visible from a side
view. In some embodiments, colored portion 818 or contrasting
portion of the interior sidewall surfaces may be visible. In such
embodiments, the contrast between the exterior side surface
coloring and the interior region sidewall surface may increase
visibility of a particular section or region of sole structure 103
during use. This contrast may allow for a camera or other
visual-capturing device to be able to readily ascertain where
various portions of sole structure 103 are located during use for
studying or research. Further, the contrast may also increase the
ease at which various apertures may expand or contract during use
in various conditions and with various configurations.
Referring to FIG. 22, various cross sections of sole structure 103
are shown. In some embodiments, central portion 716 of sole
structure 103 may include plurality of recessed portions 200 that
extend throughout central portion 716. As discussed previously,
plurality of recessed portions 200 may be bordered by sole portions
that include elevated portions. In other embodiments, some portions
of central portion 716 may not include elevated portions. For
example, in some embodiments, a portion of central portion 716 may
not include an auxetic shape or recessed portion. In such areas of
sole structure 103, an elevated portion may not be present.
In some embodiments, an elevated portion may be located adjacent to
a peripheral edge piece. In some embodiments, peripheral edge
pieces 805 may surround central portion 716. In some embodiments,
the height of the peripheral edge pieces may be greater than the
absolute height of an elevated portion. Referring to enlarged
cross-section 850 for example, the distance from upper surface 140
of sole structure 103 to outer surface 821 of peripheral edge piece
820 may be greater than the distance from upper surface 140 of sole
structure 103 to outer surface 823 of elevated portion 822. That
is, distance 824 may be larger than distance 826. In some
embodiments, the distance from an inner recessed surface to an
outer surface may be different between peripheral edge pieces and
the elevated portions. For example, distance 870 between inner
recessed surface 226 and outer surface 821 may be greater than
distance 871 between inner recessed surface 226 and outer surface
823. Additionally, in some embodiments, the peripheral edge pieces
may be larger around heel region 14. Therefore, as shown,
peripheral edge piece 828 may also be larger than the portions of
sole structure 103 within central portion 716. In other
embodiments, the outer surfaces of peripheral edge pieces 805 may
be the same distance away from inner recessed surface 226 along
heel region 14.
In embodiments in which distance 870 is larger than distance 871,
peripheral edge pieces 805 may be oriented to contact a ground
surface before elevated portions of central portion 716 during
normal use of sole structure 103. In some embodiments, orienting
peripheral edge pieces 805 to contact the ground before central
portion 716 may cause sole structure 103 to contact the ground in a
particular manner. As sole structure 103 contacts the ground, the
peripheral edge pieces may contact the ground first. As the user
steps, the central portion of sole structure 103 may then contact
the ground. This gap or distance between the outer surfaces of the
peripheral edge pieces and the outer surfaces of the elevated
portions may provide additional cushion or support in the areas of
the sole structure that include this arrangement. By orienting the
peripheral edge pieces to contact the ground first, some of the
force from contacting the ground may be redistributed or absorbed
before the rest of the weight of the user extends into the central
portion of sole structure 103. Therefore, the peripheral edge
pieces may assist in providing support and cushioning to a wear
during use of sole structure 103.
In other areas of sole structure 103, the outer surfaces or
ground-contacting surfaces of peripheral edge pieces 805 of sole
structure 103 may be located along approximately the same plane as
the outer surfaces or ground-contacting surfaces of the elevated
portions. That is, in some embodiments, the ground-contacting
surfaces of the peripheral edge pieces and the ground-contacting
surfaces of the elevated portions may contact the ground or other
surface at approximately the same time during use by a wearer.
In some embodiments, orienting the ground-contacting surface of the
peripheral edges along the same plane as the elevated portions may
assist in providing feedback to a user. Referring to enlarged
portion 852, outer surface 831 of peripheral edge piece 830 is
located a distance 832 away from upper surface 140 of sole
structure 103. Additionally, outer surface 831 is located a
distance 872 away from inner recessed surface 226. Outer surface
833 of elevated portion 834 is located a distance 836 away from
upper surface 140 of sole structure 103. Additionally, outer
surface 833 is located a distance 873 away from inner recessed
surface 226. In some embodiments, distance 836 and distance 832 may
be approximately the same. In some embodiments, distances 872 and
distance 873 may be approximately the same. Additionally,
peripheral edge piece 840 may also be approximately the same size
as peripheral edge piece 830. Therefore, central portion 716 of
forefoot region 10 may be circumscribed by peripheral edge pieces
of approximately the same height. In some embodiments, the
orientation of the peripheral edges and the elevated portions at
the same height may allow for a user to have quick feedback to
actions as well as feedback regarding the condition of the surface
that the ground-contacting surface contacts by engaging a large
percentage of the surface area of sole structure 103 with the
ground as quickly as possible.
In some embodiments, the different levels of peripheral edges and
elevated portions may be located throughout sole structure 103. For
example, in some embodiments, the ground-contacting surface of
peripheral edge pieces 805 may extend beyond the ground-contacting
surface of the elevated portions in a heel region. Additionally, in
the same sole structure, the ground-contacting surface of the
peripheral edge pieces and the ground-contacting surface of the
elevated portions may be located along the same plane. The location
and orientation of the ground-contacting surfaces may be altered in
different areas of the sole structure to particularize the comfort
and feel of the sole structure. For example, heel region 14 may
include greater cushioning, while forefoot region 10 may require
more control for cutting or other motions. Therefore, heel region
14 may include a peripheral edge piece that includes a
ground-contacting surface that extends beyond the surface of the
elevated portions while other areas of sole structure 103 may have
different configurations.
Other embodiments of the various sole structures disclosed in the
present application may utilize any of the features, provisions,
components, functionalities and/or materials that are disclosed in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/826,879, filed Aug. 14, 2015
(published as U.S. Patent Publication Number 2017/0042288), titled
"Sole Structure Including Sipes," the entirety of which is herein
incorporated by reference. Further, other embodiments of the sole
structures disclosed in the present application may utilize any of
the features, provisions, components, functionalities and/or
materials that are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/826,936, filed Aug. 14, 2015 (published as U.S. Patent
Publication Number 2017/0042285), titled "Sole Structures with
Regionally Applied Auxetic Openings and Siping," the entirety of
which is herein incorporated by reference.
Furthermore, any of the embodiments of the present application
could incorporate any of the features, provisions, components,
functionalities and/or materials disclosed in any of the following
U.S. Applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/643,121,
filed Mar. 10, 2015 (published as U.S. Patent Publication Number
2015/0245686), titled "Sole Structure with Holes Arranged in
Auxetic Configuration," the entirety of which is herein
incorporated by reference; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/643,161, filed Mar. 10, 2015 (published as U.S. Patent
Publication Number 2015/0237957), titled "Multi-Component Sole
Structure Having an Auxetic Configuration" the entirety of which is
herein incorporated by reference; and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/643,089, filed Mar. 10, 2015 (published as U.S. Patent
Publication Number 2015/0237958), titled "Midsole Component and
Outer sole Members with Auxetic Structure" the entirety of which is
herein incorporated by reference.
While various embodiments have been described, the description is
intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more
embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the
scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used
in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element
in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted.
Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in
light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various
modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the
attached claims.
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